Happy Easter!

The closest thing I got to Easter this year was during the scype conversation with my family they held up an Easter basket and talked of the turkey, potatoes, gravy and pie they had just eaten. I was jealous a tad however still enjoyed the easy over eggs I was eating instead, by myself! It was a good weekend though, so I have no complaints. What I love so much about my Japan experience is all the things I plan end up being different than I expect, and when I don't plan anything something neat usually happens spur of the moment anyways! The friday night potluck at Rebecca's turned out great! So many delicious food, my favorite was the brushetta and bread, a flavour I have not enjoyed in a long time!

I was forturnate to spend Saturday afternoon with a student of mine, who was really excited to show me new Japanese culture around Nagai. We ate freshly made soba noodles, mochi and explored many different areas. I've included a few pictures of the afternoon! Sunday was a real treat! To my suprise Rebecca had been invited to go climbing at "the rocky place outside" by a Japanese climbing friend. I was lucky enough to go with her and Honda-san! At first I was a bit nervous but by my fourth climb and last I had more confidence and did a lot better! Monday I spoke to the family on scype after they had eaten their Easter dinner then off I went for an afternoon of spring riding. The snow was real slushy but still fun. We even built our own little kicker and did jumps off that. It didn't last long, but I was able to try a few jumps and do my first 180! I am exhausted after that weekend and do not really feel like working tomorrow!

Spring Has Sprung!

Today is Friday it doesn't really feel like Friday because I haven't worked much this week. This is good because I have more free time to practice my Japanese skills and do planning but sometimes I lose focus with all this free time. We are in a changing period at both schools I work at. Some of my classes at Lesley school have been cut. I am sad to have less students, but this gives me time to develop some good teaching patterns and ideas, rather than doing last minute planning like I did all winter. The Kindergarten is establishing routines and allowing for adjustment for many of these kids who are away from home for the first time. On Tuesday, the school was locked and under close watch as many of the kids would try to escape. Or stare out the front doors yelling "okasan", the Japanese word for mom. It was sad, especially when they would just stop in the middle of the class and just start crying. Their eyes glazed and blank expression kinda reminded me of how I must have appeared the first month at the school. It's a strange, scary place when you first arrive! ha ha! By today many of the kids and myself were in better moods, which I blame on the very very nice weather Nagai is having this spring!

I decided to take some photos of things that make me happy with Spring time in Japan. Since we don't have Easter here I've come to love the simple things that spring has to offer.

Above is a garden that my apartment backs onto. I always see this cute old man working in it every morning when I go for my run (something I've only just started this week but hope to develop into a habit seeing as I entered a marathon in May!!) I think it is going to be real pretty soon and cannot wait to see the fresh veggies, it might be tempting not to take some I think! The next picture is my bike. If you know me at all you know that spring at home is the time I get out my commuter bike and use that for transportation instead of my car. I absolutely love biking around Regina. This spring "getting out the bike" means I can get around faster than the walking I did all winter. The bike I was given is ridiculously small, but I'll take it. Plus it allows me to cruise around in style! It is strange not to have a car, and difficult at times but I am getting used to it. A car means freedom, something I've lost while in Japan so far, but slowly with time and as I understand the trains in my area I am gaining it back.

Tonight my friend Rebecca is having a potluck. I am very excited for this. I am making delicious fresh rolls and hope to eat tons of food I normally don't eat in Japan. It's a little different Easter celebration but all the better to do something new!